Lahore: US Consul General Stetson Sanders met with Secretary Home Punjab, Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, to discuss law and order, security, and cooperation opportunities, according to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab. The meeting took place at the Punjab Home Department, covering the professional capacity of security institutions and mutual cooperation enhancement.

Dr. Qazi elaborated on the Punjab government’s initiatives to improve safety through modern technology and training. He highlighted efforts to enhance law enforcement agencies’ capacity and the establishment of 14 new check posts for strengthening inter-provincial border security. The welfare of vulnerable groups and the implementation of the Imam Masjid Sahibaan Honorarium Programme, benefiting around 70,000 Imams with a monthly honorarium, were also discussed.

The discussion extended to prison reform, with Dr. Qazi outlining training programs aimed at rehabilitating inmates. A second delegation of parole and prison officers is scheduled to visit the United States for further training, supported by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The meeting also covered initiatives like the Punjab Science Enclave and the Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, as well as public awareness campaigns against smog and promoting safe crop residue disposal.

Dr. Qazi mentioned the ban on hidden recording devices to protect privacy and the modernization of the Civil Defence Resilience Corps, which has registered 400,000 volunteers. US Consul General Sanders emphasized the potential for future cooperation between the two countries in achieving shared security objectives. The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan and Inspector General Prisons Mian Salik Jalal.